Suicide is a topic filled with unresolved issues, unanswered questions, voided homes and hearts, and an overwhelming sense of guilt from our actions or lack thereof.

Personally, I have dealt with my fair share losing people in my life due to suicide, however it’s the aftershocks that are usually not dealt with and are often swept under the rug. Let’s note the word “swept”. It’s important to notice the privilege many of us have to set our emotions aside with ease, and we should recognize this when supporting people who no longer can or are on the brink of exhaustion.

Suicide is no longer the taboo topic it once was several years ago as prevention methods, awareness and de-stigmatization is spread rampantly across the globe in efforts to protect and lend a listening ear to those suffering in silence. Yet, it's still a silent killer and leading cause of death in youth and the top tenth cause of death across all ages in the United States.

The real question that should be asked is how do we aid in the prevention of suicide? What are the signs? How do I empathize and effectively prevent someone who is contemplating a suicide attempt? The answers are never simple, but with proper attention and care is the difference between life and death.

Warning Signs
There are no clear cut signs to know if someone is considering suicide, which allows for this fly under the radar for many individuals. In case of the lack of clear sign, surviving loved ones often mull over what they might have missed. Either way, a combination of factors may be instrumental to the ultimate decision. Some of the most common risk factor and warning signs include:

• Mental Illness

• Substance Use

• Chronic Pain/Illness

• Social Isolation

• History of trauma or abuse

• Recklessness

• Displaying extreme mood swings

Preventative Measures
By first realizing the typical signs of someone who is considering suicide, its best to take immediate action by asking directly,

“Are you thinking of killing yourself?”

Asking this heavy loaded question causes a bit of discomfort because it's something we’d usually never talk about with someone we’d care about. However, beating around the bush in a crisis is not conducive for life-saving. Unhelpful styles of this question can vary from, “You’re not thinking of killing yourself, right?” or “Don’t kill yourself, just shake it off’. These types of approaches aren’t accommodating, and often allude to the entire situation being an inconvenience for the querent, making them less likely to seek help and sink deeper into isolation.

Other protective measures that prove to be very helpful for those in crisis include contacting providers, strong connections with family, community and social institutions and remarkable conflict resolution skills. Among many other protective measures, these core actions increase the likelihood of survival immensely. Through helping others connect with various resources, staying connected to ensure their health is improving and keeping them safe through removal of lethal objects, we all are able to save lives and prevent our loved ones from attempting suicide.

Without reference to the limitless trials and tribulations we all face on a regular basis, suicide should never be the answer. If you believe that you or a loved one is experiencing or contemplating a suicide attempt, help is available. By being alert and compassionate, we can all lessen the threat of this major public health crisis.

Resources:

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network

• 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (Veterans, press 1)

• Crisis Text Line - Text TALK to 741-741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free 24/7 help.

• The Trevor Project (1-866) 488-738

~ Eryka Warren

We take a lot of pride in being productive, in getting things done, and checking off our to-do list. Subconsciously, some of us tie our self-worth to our productivity, especially now that we have more time on our hands. With the need to always be productive, the pressure tends to create strong expectations about what should be accomplished. And if those expectations aren't met, it feels like a big hit on our self-esteem.

With quarantine in effect for these past few months, it’s been hard to not feel worn out, tired, and bored. Many of us have tried to make the most of this global crisis by creating new fitness goals, or learning a new skill. But without the excitement and stimulus of the world, it’s much easier to feel burned out. It's difficult to accept the idea that “if you don’t seize the day, it’s okay”. but remember that this current situation is difficult to process and cope through.

Here are some tips to guide you through accepting the current situation:

1. Remember to focus on the basics- the things that make you feel comfortable and secure. Do an activity that makes you feel grounded. Something you can return to when you feel lost. And allow yourself enough time to do it often. 

2. Try to ignore any posts about productivity on social media right now. It is okay if you’re not as productive as usual. Instead, consider using this time to slow down and reflect. Learn to love and appreciate your own company. Focus on the present moment. Remind yourself that you are healthy. You are safe. Everything is okay. 

3. Finally, know how to balance these two things. Remember, it’s okay to want to get something done, to finish a project, but you don’t need to have the pressure or stress to do that every day. The expectation of using every second to its fullest can be damaging to your mental health. 

4. One last thing to consider is your negative feelings. It’s okay to not feel 100% yourself right now. You are grieving. You are grieving the world you knew before and now have lost. This is a change no one wanted, but now have to accept. We miss our normal routines, our social interactions, or the plans we made that now have to be cancelled. It’s okay to not be productive and check every item on your to-do list, because right now, your life has come at a standstill. It’s okay to feel lost, because no one is really feeling put together. 

5. We often forget that we are living through a pandemic, as it is such a foreign concept to understand and process. But be forgiving to yourself during these different times, and remember that you are doing the best you can.

At this point, many people expected that the pandemic would be over. It has been about five months since the US started its response to COVID-19, and most anticipated a return to normal several months ago. The continuing spread of the virus and its effects on society are naturally causing anxiety and, understandably, a feeling of loss of control. As the pandemic continues, it is crucial to continue taking care of your mental health and physical health. Figuring out how you can regain a sense of control in your life is important to keeping calm through this storm.

1. Understand that there are things that are genuinely outside of your control right now. Many people overwhelm themselves by looking for ways to alter parts of their situation that are unalterable, and it just furthers the feeling of helplessness. Make a list of the things in your life that are in your control: meal plans, your home organization, your hobbies, etc. Focus on what you are able to change.

2. A structured routine is imperative. Establish a consistent sleeping schedule. Set aside times for work, and times for a break. Make a list of ways you can relax and take care of yourself, and set aside a time just for that. Sticking to a routine has been shown to increase feelings of control.

3. Stay informed. Keep yourself up to date on COVID-19 through reputable sources such as the CDC; however, make sure to limit the information you get from media. Taking in too much news can be stressful, so it is important not to go down any news rabbit holes. 

4. Turn your attention to your body. Focus on the ways your body feels, and how you can control that. Meditation and exercise are two great ways to center yourself and feel in control of your own mind and body. They are also shown to boost your mood, as well as your immune system.

5. Have an action plan. Understand what you need to do when you have a bad day, so that you won’t spiral. In addition, establish a plan for what you can do if you or a loved one gets sick. This can include locating your nearest testing center, or working out how to isolate if you are sick. Being prepared helps to feel in control. 

The novel coronavirus has now made it to every continent except Antarctica. As it continues to spread, we are constantly inundated with updates on the virus and the latest death tolls. Understandably, this can be overwhelming. Here are some things you can do if you are feeling anxious about this public health crisis. Here are some ways to minimize your anxiety:

1. Put it in perspective. It’s scary to think that we are dealing with a new virus, primarily because we don’t know what to expect. But we do have some initial data on the novel coronavirus that can help us put it into perspective. Compare it to the influenza, which the CDC estimates has affected 34 to 49 million people and resulted in 20 to 52 thousand deaths in the United States since October 2019. It is also important to note that reported death rates are typically artificially elevated early in an epidemic, as mild and asymptomatic cases go undetected.

2. Do what you can to prepare. According to the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. Most are common-sense measures, like washing your hands thoroughly, disinfecting commonly used household surfaces (such as doorknobs and light switches), keeping hands away from your face, and steering clear of others who are coughing or sneezing. In addition, try to keep yourself in good health so that your immune system functions at its best. Simple practices like eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and keeping up with regular preventative care can go a long way. Make sure that you are up to date with recommended immunizations, especially those that protect against flu and pneumonia as these illnesses can make you more susceptible to the novel coronavirus. Influenza and pneumonia can also cause additional serious complications if you contract them along with or as a complication of coronavirus. Talk with your doctor to determine if you require additional immunizations.

3. Limit exposure to the news. There are an incredible number of news outlets and an even more endless supply of information available on social media. If you are anxious about COVID-19, you may find yourself spending a lot of time searching for updates and reassurance. This is usually counterproductive, as many outlets and social media networks draw on catastrophic or sensational stories to get views. Limit yourself to checking news stories once a day. Turn off automatic news notifications on your smartphone. Trust that if there is an important development, you will hear about it quickly.

4. Practice mindfulness and positive thinking techniques. Our minds are made to protect us. As such, we are biased toward attending to potential threats. When you find yourself swept up in thinking about the scary things that could happen, it’s important to remember this tendency to overestimate the likelihood of a bad outcome. Yes, it is possible that something bad could happen. Acknowledge these worries, but practice refocusing your mind on the present. Starting a daily mindfulness routine can help you develop the skills to do this.

5. Take care of your mental health. For people with existing conditions like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, news of COVID-19 may increase symptoms. Feelings of helplessness, panic, contamination fears, health-related anxiety, and generalized anxiety can all be worsened by epidemics and other similar disasters. It is important to make sure that your underlying mental illness is adequately treated. If you notice that your mental health is suffering lately, make an appointment with your therapist to discuss treatment strategies.

6. Engage with your Pets. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life.

With the continuing closure of restaurants, schools, and businesses; adapting to the coronavirus is hard as an adult. But children may not understand why they cannot go to school, eat certain foods, or play with friends outside. According to the Child Mind Institute parents should not be afraid to discuss the coronavirus with their children. It is important to listen to your child’s concerns and questions. Here are 4 tips parents can use to discuss the coronavirus with their children. 

1. Find out what your child already knows. This gives you a chance to find out if they’re hearing incorrect information. KidsHealth says to ask age appropriate questions. For example, for younger children, you could say, "Have you heard grownups talking about a new sickness that's going around?"The CDC states that parents should provide information that is honest and accurate, but make sure it is suited for the age and developmental level of the child. 

2. Emphasize things your family can do to reduce germs and protect others. Talk to them about hand washing and social distancing. PBS Kids says that you can make these activities fun by making them into games. For example, a lot of kids cough or sneeze into their hands, so tell them to “catch it” in their elbow or a tissue. “Catch that cough!”

3. Lastly, reassure them that they are safe. Make sure they know what you and other people are doing to keep others safe. Children are very intuitive on what you are feeling, so try to stay calm when talking to your children.

With the spread of the novel coronavirus affecting everything from international travel to the availability of hand sanitizer, mitigating the Coronavirus in the United States has become a growing concern. That’s why many companies and colleges and universities are mandating or recommending that employee and students work remotely until the virus can be slowed.

Many of us fantasize about working from the comfort of their own home, foregoing their commute in favor of more sleep, family or exercise time. But working remotely is a double-edge sword. Sure, you get to stay home, but it can be harder to focus on actually working. Plus, the isolation can quickly become a downer for those used to socializing at work. And some people, of course, would prefer to stay in the office. So here are five tips to help manage stress while working from home during the Coronavirus outbreak.

1. Connect Online with Friends and Co-Workers. Online social interactions with coworkers or friends can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.

2. Have a Plan. When working alone, you should keep a more structured daily schedule than usual. Utilize tools such as google calendar to keep track of your workday flow and management of work-related tasks.

3. Setting Clear Expectations. Create a work from home policy with your specific expectations. The policy would include instructions for an employee’s daily work schedule, your company’s overtime policy, description of a dedicated work space, instructions for reporting personal injury and damage to company equipment, and protection of proprietary company information.

4. Create a Dedicated Workspace. Instead of lying in bed with a laptop, try something more deliberate. The fix could be something as simple as moving a nightstand into a corner far away from distractions, plopping down your computer and sitting in an upright chair, like you would at your office desk. This also serves as an important signal to those who live with you that you’re at work. Create boundaries within your home that your family members understand when you are working and when you are available.

5. Take a Break. Let's be honest: You don't work eight hours straight in the office or at school. There are coffee breaks, lunch walks and chats with colleagues that give some respite from work. Just because you are working from home doesn't mean you aren't entitled to the same breathers. Hitting the pause button throughout the work day can be a boon to productivity and reduce stress.